Chung's mother, Sophia George-Chung, was a top Jamaican reggae artist in the 1980s. Her song, "Girlie Girlie," released in 1985, was a number one hit in Jamaica and made it into the Top 10 in the United Kingdom.[4] His half-brother, Brian Carey Chung, is a dancer, choreographer and poet, has danced with internationally, was an Assistant Professor of Ballet at Northern Illinois University, and is the founding artistic director and choreographer of COLLECTIVE BODY | DANCELAB, a creative think tank for new dance and performance in New York City.[5]

College career[edit]

Chung enrolled at the University of Oregon in 2004 at age 16.[6] After redshirting in 2004, Chung took over at the "rover" position in 2005, ranking second on the team with 91 tackles (5 solo), as he caused a fumble and deflected five passes. He earned All-Pacific-10 Conference honorable mention honors, and a spot on the Sporting News Freshman All-American Team. In 2006, Chung once again earned All-Pac-10 honorable mention, finishing third on the team with 84 tackles, two sacks, and four interceptions.

As a junior, Chung was named Second Team All-American and first-team All-Pac 10 Conference. He received the Gordon E. Wilson Award, given to the team's top special teams player. He averaged 22.3 yards on nine kickoff returns while leading the Ducks with a career-high 117 tackles (71 solos), adding 7.5 stops for loss. He broke up nine passes and was credited with a pair of interceptions.

Chung garnered Third Team All-American accolades in addition to making the All-Pac 10 first-team for the second consecutive year in 2008. Along with offensive lineman Max Unger, the pair set the school record with 51 consecutive starting assignments. He had 92 tackles (58 solos) in 13 games, coming up with two sacks among his 6.5 stops for loss. He caused and recovered a fumble, batted down seven passes and returned his only interception 31 yards for a touchdown.

Chung holds the distinction of starting more games than any other defensive player in Oregon history, having started 51 straight games during his collegiate career.[7]

New England Patriots[edit]

Chung was drafted by the New England Patriots in the second round (34th overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft. He signed with the Patriots on July 27, 2009. In Week 6 against the Tennessee Titans on October 18, Chung was credited with his first career interception. He also totaled eight tackles, four of which were solo.

After starting only one game in his rookie season, Chung became a full-time starter at safety in 2010. In Week 1, Chung set a career high with 16 tackles against the Cincinnati Bengals. In the second half of an October 4, 2010 Monday Night Football game against the Miami Dolphins in Week 4, Chung blocked both a punt and a field goal, which led to two Patriots touchdowns. He later returned an interception 51 yards for a touchdown. Chung added a 13-tackle game in Week 6 in an overtime win over the Baltimore Ravens, but left in the second quarter of the team's Week 7 game with a knee injury. After missing the next two games, Chung returned in Week 10 to record 11 tackles in a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Chung started 13 of 14 games played in 2010, finishing with 96 tackles, three interceptions, and nine passes defensed. In the Patriots' Divisional playoff loss to the New York Jets, Chung was part of a botched fake punt, which was revealed after the game to be Chung's decision.[8]

In Super Bowl XLVI, Chung was noted for his standout play in the Patriots' losing effort, including six tackles and one pass defended.[9]

Philadelphia Eagles[edit]

Chung signed with the Philadelphia Eagles on March 12, 2013.[10] After one season in Philadelphia, he was released on March 11, 2014.[11]

Second Stint with Patriots[edit]

After his release from the Eagles, Chung re-signed with New England on April 3, 2014.[12] He started 15 out of 16 games for the Patriots that season, recording 85 tackles and 1 interception.

On January 9, 2015, Chung signed a 3-year extension with the Patriots.[13] He played in Super Bowl XLIX, on February 1, 2015, where he had one tackle in the Patriot's 28-24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks.